“As the citizens of Brunei face the erosion of their rights, I imagine the man I once knew, holed up in a posh hotel suite somewhere, maybe with another American teenager in his lap, making laws that legislate morality,” Lauren wrote.

Ex-Miss USA Shannon Marketic returned from Brunei in 1997 and sued Jefri and the Sultan, claiming she was held against her will as a sex slave. Marketic lost her lawsuit after Jefri claimed diplomatic immunity.

The first round of Sharia law, imposed on May 1, calls for fines and prison sentences for those who have a child out of wedlock, fail to pray on Friday or promote religions other than Islam.

Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announces the phased introduction of Sharia law in October 2013.Photo: Getty Images

The second phase, coming next year, will include whippings and amputations for such crimes as drinking alcohol and theft.

The following year, death sentences — including stoning — could be implemented for adultery, sodomy or insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

The growing boycott of the Sultan’s hotels — the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Bel-Air, the Plaza Athénée in Paris and the Dorchester in London — might dissuade the Sultan. Or not. Worth $20 billion, he certainly doesn’t need the revenue.